EVERETT — With demand for shots continuing to slow, Snohomish County’s vaccine task force is shifting focus from mass vaccination sites to mobile clinics, including at schools, churches and a two-day stint at Funko Field during Everett AquaSox games next week.
The goal is to bring vaccines to places people know, and where they feel safe, said Department of Emergency Management Director Jason Biermann during a Tuesday news briefing.
On June 1 and 2, a pop-up clinic outside the stadium will offer Pfizer shots from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Later in the month, staff will return for a follow-up clinic.
- Related
What we know: Washington coronavirus outbreak at a glanceMar 2, 2020
Another mobile clinic offering Pfizer doses will be at Evergreen Middle School on June 9 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Everett Public Schools announced.
The district is encouraging students 12 and up to get their shots, but the clinic is open to everyone. To schedule an appointment, which is preferred but not required, visit www.everettsd.org/StudentCOVIDVaccinations.
Meanwhile, the task force is closing vaccination sites this week at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett and Boom City in Tulalip. By mid-June, they’ll stop offering first doses at the remaining mass clinics in Everett, Lynnwood, Arlington and Monroe.
“If you want to get your first dose at one of our mass sites, please book your appointment soon,” Biermann said.
On Tuesday, Community Transit announced it’s offering free bus rides to anyone traveling to get vaccinated.
Passengers don’t have to provide any documentation. They just have to say they’re riding to get their shot, according to a news release.
“We want to help as many people as possible get the vaccine so that our community can enjoy a return to normal life with family and friends,” Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz said in the news release. “A free ride can make the difference for people who have not been able to get a vaccine before now.”
Back in January, Snohomish County became the first in the state to open a mass vaccination site.
Since then, more than 300,000 shots have been administered at the clinics.
Countywide, 62% of adults have received at least one vaccine dose, state data show. And nearly half are fully vaccinated.
Across Washington, 61% of adults have received at least one shot.
The county’s shift from mass vaccination sites demonstrates more progress through the pandemic.
A year ago, Snohomish County was on the downslope of the virus’ first wave. Businesses were closed, masks were just being introduced and crews were setting up the first public testing sites.
“It was terrifying,” recalled county health officer Dr. Chris Spitters. “My caution is, it’s not over yet. Things are looking great, but we still need to be wise. … We’ve got, as a community, still a lot ahead of us to recover from this.”
Joey Thompson: 425-339-3449; jthompson@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @byjoeythompson.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
